Harold Michnal

Harold N. Michnal lived a rich and adventurous life. Never one to remain idle, he held vast interests and generously gave of his time and resources to others in need. A devoted family man, there simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was always focused on achievement and ways he could be a better provider to his family and a better contributor to the community around him. Never settling for less than his best, Harold leaves behind a rich legacy of being truly passionate about life and treating everyone he met with kindness. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

During an era that saw the large-scale boom of automobiles, telephones and motion pictures, as well as unprecedented industrial growth and significant changes in our nation’s culture, Adalbert and Anna (Lesniak) Michnal welcomed the arrival of their newborn son, Harold on February 18, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan. Born the youngest of three boys, he brought great joy into the family home.

Growing up in Detroit, Harold’s dad worked in the automotive industry and his mother was a homemaker. Having lived through the Great Depression era, Harold knew the value of a hard day’s work and the importance of contributing to the family home. He and his brothers had a typical childhood of the times, yet Harold completed his education through high school which was considered above and beyond for some young men of the 1920s. Harold joined the marines and spent a few years in Korea as a Private First Class with the aircraft carrier Tarawa CV40. After he was discharged, He romped the neighborhood with his good pal, Wally Wlosinski who remained his closest friend throughout his life. As a young man, he loved to frequent the local dance halls. As a matter of fact, he met the woman of his dreams at a dance! Dolores caught his eye one night at a neighborhood dance and the rest is history! After marrying in a formal ceremony, they settled down to raise their two wonderful daughters; Karen and Diane.

His life was never uneventful as his next phase of life included working as a police sergeant with many memorable moments. Harold worked as a police escort as a motorcycle cop for such impressional people as John F. Kennedy, the Beatles, and President Dwight D Eisenhower. A career he was truly proud to be a part of, he often shared stories of the wild pool parties at the home on Burgess Street in Detroit.

Never one to be without adventure, his police Harley Davidson was known to catch fire a couple of times when riding on duty! In addition to his time as a marksman in 1967, Harold was also known to work security at the Briggs stadium where the Detroit Lions of the NFL played until 1974.

As a family man and father figure, Harold enjoyed many years of joining family gatherings or taking Sunday drives to the family property. He loved cooking up a batch of his favorable kielbasa or his baklava. He also made delicious pizzelles, pierogies, as well as homemade wine! Known to be gruff around the edges, his family knew him as a soft-hearted and tender loving man with a passion for animals and young children. He was widowed from his dear, Dolores in 2008 where his growing family helped to fill in the void. He enjoyed his relationship with both of his son-in-laws; John Pepera and John Junttonen, yet nothing brought him greater pride than his grandchildren. Nick, Nathan, Makena, and Zach all held special places in his heart. He loved and adored each and every one of them! He also held a special place in his heart for his furry companion, his dog, Sadie.

During his retirement years, he loved going on cruises as well as following his favorite sports teams; the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, and University of Michigan football! Harold was also a church going man and found great satisfaction in keeping up with the members of his church. He was by nature a people person and loved to carry on conversations about any topic! At times, he could be seen as stubborn, but there simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family and his special friends.

For relaxation, he grew fond of his regular routine of watching the Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and Steve Harvey’s Talk Show! He also enjoyed listening to all types of jazz musicians as well as Polka. On many summer afternoons and evenings, Harold could be found at one of the local jazz concerts in the area. Harold leaves behind so many wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him. There is no doubt, he will be deeply missed for years to come.

Harold N Michnal, age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 26, 2017. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Dolores, his parents, Adalbert and Anna, and his brothers, Ted and Edmund. He was the loving father of Karen Pepera (John) and Diane Junttonen (John), beloved grandfather of Nick, Nathan, Makena and Zachary and proud of owner of his cherished dog, Sadie.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 29th from 2-9pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd (between Merriman and Middlebelt), where a Funeral Service will be held Thursday, March 30th 11 am. Interment St Hedwig Cemetery.